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Dear JJCCF Friends,
Just $1 dollar will make a difference for Valentina, Apryl, Angel & Jude during this dreadful time. Your contributions will add up to make a significant impact in the lives of these 4 children & their family members (26 individuals). Your support will make a difference!
The needs for these families fighting childhood cancer exceed the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation (JJCCF) limited resources to assist them. JJCCF has already provided each family with emergency financial assistance representing basic human needs which is significant, but not sufficient. We hope you will never discover every parent’s nightmare: “Your Child has Cancer”. Realize that no parent prepares for a childhood cancer diagnosis and the financial consequences thereafter faced. As an advocate for these children, I am reaching out for outside urgent support (YOUR HELP) so that these families can survive a temporary crisis.
Giving gift cards for food / gas or tax-deductible donations would be greatly appreciated. If you have any suggestions or questions, please contact us at (954)744-6535 or email [email protected]. For more information about JJCCF’s impactful work visit us at www.JJCCF.org
Thank you for your consideration and your ongoing support,
Sandra Muvdi
President / Founder
*Online Donation is easy & secure. JJCCF’s new donation page requires just a couple of clicks & you can choose your donation In Honor of “4 children” or an individual child. Visit www.JJCCF.org or just click on the “Donate” button above.
*Mail checks payable to “JJCCF” to: Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation, Broward General Medical Center,1600 S. Andrews Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Their Individual Stories:
 1) Valentina, 14 Y/O, Broward General Medical Center
Valentina was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (stage IV) February 2011 and since has been receiving aggressive chemotherapy. Her treatment requires hospitalization 10 days per month as well as coming to the outpatient oncology center once per week. Valentina’s intense chemo treatment has left her body weak having to spend extensive time at the hospital. The most resent update from the hospital social worker is Valentina is not been responding to medication covered by Medicaid insurance. The recommended alternative treatment requires out of pocket expenses not covered by her insurance and the family does not have the money.
Valentina’s biological father offers no financial support, and her mother had to quit working to become her full time caregiver. Cancer treatment for Valentina will last approximately one year, and mother most likely will not be able to work during this time.
-Quote from Hospital Social Worker: “They require assistance with all of their household bills, including rent, electric, water and phone. Thank you for your consideration of this patient and family to enter your Advocacy Program.” READ MORE
 2) Apryl, 3 Y/O, Miami Children’s Hospital
Apryl was diagnosed with Brain Cancer January 2011 and has been hospitalized since then undergoing surgery to remove 2 tumors from her brain; however more have grown throughout her brain and spine. Currently both parents are unemployed. In March 2011 JJCCF’s Financial Assistance Program paid for the family’s rent, phone bill and provided grocery gift cards.
Parents have been afflicted with great loss, disease and death having to do with their children. Their first child passed away from SIDS, their second child was diagnosed with Spina Bifida and now their baby girl is fighting for her life.
-Quote from Mother: “I had to move from a 3 bedroom town house, to a 1 bedroom apartment and still can’t keep up with my bills. The reason I require financial assistance is so I can stop stressing over my bills. I just want to think about my daughter. Please help.” READ MORE
3) Angel, 4 Y/O, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Angel was diagnosed with Brain Cancer in August of 2010. After Angel’s diagnosis, his mother was placed on disability due to a high risk pregnancy. JJCCF’s Financial Assistance Program paid for the family’s rent, electrical and water bills.
JJCCF’s family visiting volunteer James DeAnda met with family this past February to deliver hope, love compassion and emergency financial assistance. Angel’s father was laid off from his job of five years as a mechanic due to budget cuts. Mother returned to work early after having a 3 Lbs. baby born prematurely to keep her household of 10 afloat. Family is unable to make ends meet during this dreadful time.
-Quote from Father: “Angel, he will continue with the treatment and we still don’t know if he will have another surgery in the future, for now we live day by day with the hope this will be over some day and we can live a normal life again, thanks for all your help and support.” READ MORE
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Photo courtesy of Sun-Sentinel photographer
Kara Starzyk
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 4) Jude, 5 Y/O, Jackson Memorial & St. Mary’s Hospital
Jude is a 5-year-old little boy who was diagnosed with Stage III Wilms’ Tumor on October of 2009. Soon after, his right kidney was removed in order to save his life. Earlier this year, doctors confirmed Jude’s cancer was back. He needs to receive intense chemotherapy in hopes of getting back into remission so he can receive a life-saving bone marrow transplant.
Child’s father lost his full-time job as a Martin County bus driver shortly before Jude was diagnosed. He currently holds a part-time job, however this is not enough to support a family of 6 and often make long trips from their home in Port St. Lucie to Jackson Memorial in Miami for Jude’s treatment.
-Quote from Hospital Social Worker: “I write to urge you to post this family’s plea for financial assistance via your website. I trust that there will be someone out there who will be moved to donate something towards helping Jude’s family make ends meet during this most difficult time in their lives. Thank you so very kindly!”
-Quote from Mother: “I am out of job since September 2009, only my husband with a part time job. We are behind on our mortgage, FPL and everything else. We have three other kids to take care. Now we are looking for help to anyone who can help us.” READ MORE
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